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News Release - NR08-23 - September 25, 2008
Department of Agriculture Recognizes Cream of the Crop
HONOLULU – The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) recently recognized department employees who exemplified the best in the state government worker corps.
“I always look forward to the Incentive and Service Awards because it recognizes employees who continuously contribute to the efficiency, economy and improvement of government operations,” said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “There are so many dedicated and loyal government employees and these are certainly the ‘Cream of the Crop.’”
Employee of the Year – Dexter Cho, Pest Control Technician, Plant Industry Division
Cho was recognized for his support of staff entomologists working on natural biocontrol measures to control and manage invasive pests. Dexter’s work was instrumental in the identification of the biological control insect that has been successful in controlling the glassy-winged sharpshooter. He was also cited for his motivation to learn new technologies, such as global positioning satellite technology, and applying it to provide better data collection for the division. Cho lives in Mililani.
Manager of the Year – Carol Okada, Manager, Plant Quarantine Branch, Plant Industry Division
Okada oversees the statewide plant quarantine regulatory program, which includes 115 inspectors, pest control aids and clerical staff. She is responsible for Hawai`i’s import and export programs. She was recognized for her work to increase cooperation between state and federal inspection agencies, increasing the state’s biosecurity program and for helping to gain legislative support for the planning phase of a joint federal and state inspection facility at Honolulu International Airport. Okada is a resident of Waianae.
Sustained Superior Performance Awards were awarded to the following:
- Laura Ayers, Livestock Inspector, Animal Industry Division
Ayers was recognized for her sensitivity and professionalism in dealing with the animals and animal owners. She continually exhibits genuine care and concern for the animals in her charge and has also mastered the livestock database technology. Beyond her normal duties, Ayers also willingly pitches in when help is needed and also assists in community and charitable efforts. Ayers is a resident of Pearl City.
- Barbara Schafer, Office Assistant, Agricultural Development Division
Schafer was recognized for the efficient and professional manner in which she provides support for the division. She was cited for her work in helping to establish and manage the Livetock Feed Subsidy Program, which provides financial assistance to livestock operations. She also assists staff in preparing for trade shows and other public events. Schafer lives in Pearl City.
- Dean Yoshizu, Environmental Health Specialist, Plant Industry Division
Yoshizu is responsible for managing grants from the federal government, which allows the Pesticides program to enforce federal requirements to assure the safe use of pesticides in Hawai`i and worker protection standards. He was also recognized for his assistance in the planning and execution of the National Plant Board annual meeting in Hawai`i. Yoshizu is a resident of Mililani.
HDOA’s Employee and Manager of the Year will also be honored at ceremony, along with other awardees from other departments, on October 17th at the State Capitol Auditorium.
For more information and photos of the awardees, click here.
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